Windfair-Interview with Theo Knaus, International Industrial Segment Manager Wind Energy, Baumer Management Services AG

Windfair: Is the Wind Energy Industry a priority for your company? How so?

Theo Knaus: The Baumer Group is an international leading supplier of sensor solutions with its headquarters in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. For more than 15 years our sensors have been successfully integrated in into wind turbines and as a result accurately fit the industry requirements. The comprehensive product portfolio created by the product segments Sensor Solutions, Motion Control, Process Instrumentation and Vision Technologies enables Baumer to offer suitable solutions for each sensor application within the wind turbine industry. In close collaboration with our customers, Baumer continuously works on innovative approaches that further increase the technological achievements, as well as the success in terms of Cost of Energy for both our partners and Baumer.


Windfair: How many employees does your company have? How many dedicated to Wind Energy?

Theo Knaus: Baumer employs around 2.500 people worldwide spread over 36 locations in 18 countries, with more than 250 of them working in R&D. Specially trained Industry Segment Managers based in the Sales Units and Competence Centres support and advise our wind industry customers. For Baumer, being close to the customer, means being accessible at anytime, anywhere.


Windfair: Do you have any new or upcoming Wind Energy Products or Services?

Theo Knaus: Our vast experience in the wind industry is continually enhanced by our latest product developments, designed to meet the ever-growing market requirements for safety, reliability and robustness. To give a few examples:
1) Due to the increasing demand for corrosion resistant components our sensors are equipped with special materials and are extensively tested for salt spray and condensation resistance according to international standards.
2) The need for continuous improvement created the design of our pioneering product; magnetic encoders. These are specifically designed for generator speed feedback on large shafts and positioning tasks in pitch control systems. The bearing less and thus wear-free sensing method guarantees unequalled lifetimes.
3) Baumer HeavyDuty encoders are available with an integrated self-diagnostic function EMS, this ensures that errors are diagnosed quickly and enables scheduled maintenance intervals, thus avoiding cost-intensive downtimes.
4) Trendsetting vision systems allow for early and ultra-precise detection of any excess rotor blade deflection and torsion with accuracy better than 0.01°.


Windfair: Do you have any special training programs for your employees?

Theo Knaus: Baumer prides itself upon the educational commitment that it makes to its employees. We actively encourage and support our staff to participate in regular training programs, both in-house and externally. In addition to this Baumer invests in the future by running technical and commercial apprenticeship programs, designed to educate open-minded and enthusiastic people.


Windfair: Tell us about your future developments. What can we expect in the next year or two?

Theo Knaus: Over the years, Baumer has successfully established itself in the wind industry as a one-stop-supplier for reliable sensor solutions. We consistently pursue our defined strategy and with close customer collaboration, work on innovative solutions for the engineering, manufacturing and operating companies involved with wind turbines.